go access Vision Impairment Travel Pass

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http://scottemerson.com.au/media/media-releases/585-new-go-card-trial-launched.html

New go card trial launched

People who are blind or have low vision will travel more easily with greater independence through SEQ train stations following the launch of a new travel card.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said we have worked closely with peak disability advisory groups and their clients to prepare for the three-month trial of the go access Vision Impairment Travel Pass, which uses smartcard functionality.

"The State Government is committed to creating a public transport network that is accessible to all Queenslanders as part of our strong plan for a brighter future," Mr Emerson said.

"The current flash pass carried by about 3,500 people doesn't have smartcard functionality and can't open the fare gates at train stations, requiring a Queensland Rail staff member to open the gates for them.

"From today, International Day of People with Disability, about 50 people will be trialling the new card, which uses smartcard technology to open fare gates, allowing them independent access through closed fare gates at stations, without the assistance of a staff member.

"While this might seem like a small change for many public transport users, this trial could make a huge difference to participants' lives, and I'm eager to hear the results after the trial ends in March next year."

Guide Dogs Queensland Rehabilitation Services Manager Bashir Ebrahim said the travel pass trial was an eagerly awaited step in providing equal access for vision impaired commuters.

"Guide Dogs Queensland has been advocating for a vision impaired traveller smartcard since the introduction of the go card system in 2008," Mr Ebrahim said.

"It's great to see the steps the Queensland Government is now taking to make this smartcard a reality and provide the same level of independence for all travellers on the network."

Vision Australia General Manager for Queensland and Northern Territory Karen Knight said that the trial was another step in the right direction for improving the travel experience for public transport users who are blind or have low vision.

"Being able to control when you can enter or exit a train station without assistance helps the blind and low vision community retain their independence, and encourages greater public transport use," Ms Knight said.

Trial participant and Vision Australia client Sarah Boulton said the pass would allow her to travel on the train network with more freedom.

"Queensland Rail staff do a great job of assisting me during my journey, including opening the fare gate; however, at peak commuting times, they may be busy or helping other commuters, meaning I have to wait until an attendant becomes available," Ms Boulton said.

"With the new trial pass, I will no longer have to wait for someone to open the gate and I can continue on my journey uninterrupted."

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Media Release
Minister for Disability Services, Minister for Seniors and Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland
The Honourable Coralee O'Rourke

Vision pass boosts travel accessibility

Commuters who are blind or have low vision will be able to travel more independently across the state with the Palaszczuk Government introducing an upgraded permanent go access Vision Impairment Travel Pass (VITP).

Disability Services Minister Coralee O'Rourke said the pass entitled the holder to free travel on all TransLink services, qconnect bus services in regional Queensland and on services provided by participating interstate public transport operators.

"The existing VITP works as a flash pass only and therefore cannot be used to independently open fare gates, requiring a Queensland Rail staff member to open the gates for them at train stations," Mrs O'Rourke said

"The upgraded go access VITP is an electronic card that allows the holder to 'touch on' or 'touch off' to independently open the gates at train stations and still receive free travel on public transport where eligible."

Minister O'Rourke said the Government had received positive feedback from existing VITP holders who participated in a six-month trial of the go access VITP that ended in June 2015.

"The successful trial involved more than 40 participants and was undertaken in partnership with Vision Australia, Guide Dogs Queensland and Queensland Rail," she said.

"We want a public transport system that is safe and accessible to all Queenslanders.

"Rolling out the go access VITP permanently across the state demonstrates this commitment in helping improve the travel experience and independence of people who are blind or have low vision.

"This is all part of our commitment to building a safe, caring and connected community, and improving accessibility on our public transport network."

Vision Australia General Manager Queensland Karen Knight said being able to control when you could enter or exit a train station without assistance supported the blindness and low vision community to retain their independence and encouraged greater public transport use.

"Vision Australia clients who have been involved in the trial have been very positive about the Travel Pass. We are very pleased that the government has announced the roll out of the Travel Pass for all members of our community," Ms Knight said.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads will be writing to existing VITP holders to provide more information about the new product and advice on the process to request a go access VITP.

For full details and to plan your journey, visit www.translink.com.au or phone 13 12 30 anytime.